Discover the iconic WWII pin-up girls who boosted morale for millions of American servicemen across Europe, the Pacific, and the home front. This collection explores the history of wartime pin-ups, their influence on military culture, and their lasting impact on aviation nose art, posters, calendars, and GI memorabilia. From Betty Grable to classic Vargas girls, explore how these vintage pin-ups became symbols of hope, patriotism, and nostalgia during World War II. Dive into our WWII pin-up gallery to learn the stories behind the artwork that defined an era.
Frances Vorne, a 19-year-old New York girl who calls herself “The Shape”, wound up 1944 with perhaps the best claim to an honor publicity agents fight desperately over: the crown as Pin-Up Girl of the Year.
Frances Vorne Yank Pin-Up Girl of the Year 1945 Read More »
Gloria Mildred DeHaven was born on July 23, 1925 in Los Angeles, California, the daughter of actor-director Carter DeHaven and actress Flora Parker DeHaven.
Gloria DeHaven Yank Pin Up Read More »
Born Elsie Lillian Kornbrath on December 14, 1917 in Hartford, Connecticut. She studied at the Traphagen School of Fashion in Manhattan then embarked on a career in fashion design.
Elyse Knox Yank Pin Up Girl October 20th 1944 Read More »
Born in Los Angeles, California, on August 8, 1921. Sometimes called “America’s Mermaid,” Esther Williams helped popularize synchronized swimming through a string of hugely popular films in the 1940s and 1950s.
Esther Williams – YANK Pin-up Girl Oct. 1945 Read More »
Francis was born in Sioux City, Iowa, on June 16, 1922. As the Depression took its hold on America, her family moved to Los Angeles when she was 9 in search of work.
Francis Rafferty: Yank Pin Up October 12, 1945 Read More »
Ruth Edwin Anderson was born on December 17, 1918 in Toledo, Ohio. She began her career as a model, working for Fashion Czar/Modeling agent Harry S. Conover
Dusty Anderson – Yank Magazine Pin Up October 1944 Read More »
Myrna Williams, later to become Myrna Loy, was born on August 2, 1905 in Radersburg, Montana.Later on her family moved to Helena where she spent her youth. At the age of 13, Myrna’s father died of Spanish Flu and the rest of the family moved to Los Angeles. She attended the Westlake School for Girls,
Myrna Loy Movie Actress and WWII Pin Up Read More »
Andrea King was born Georgette Andre Barry in Paris, France, however she lived there only two months before her mother, Belle Hart, brought her back to the United States.
Andrea King WWII Yank Pin Up – September 14, 1945 Read More »
Marie McDonald, born Cora Marie Frye on July 6, 1923 in Burgin, Kentucky, was a leggy, voluptuous blonde starlet who pursued her career with a vengeance but found little reward in the end.
Marie McDonald YANK Pin Up 25 Aug 1944 Read More »
Cleo Moore was born October 31, 1928 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Her parents were deeply involved in Democratic politics. Politics, in Louisiana, was an all consuming passion with a lot of families in the 20’s and 30’s.
Cleo Moore WWII Pin Up Read More »
